DIY Sensory Activities for Kids

Hello Bloom Besties! Welcome back to Bloom Diaries. In this post, we will dive into fun ways to engage your little ones. We will discuss all about sensory activities for kids and some simple DIY ideas you can try at home! In my experience, these activities were always a hit. As a new mom, I am excited to use these activities with my own little one as he gets older! 

Why Sensory Play Matters

Sensory play isn’t just fun—it’s essential! It helps children develop critical skills like motor coordination, language, and problem-solving. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to explore different textures, sights, and sounds, all while keeping little hands busy and creative minds engaged.

Sensory Activities & DIY Ideas

Let’s jump into some sensory play activities that are sure to entertain while encouraging learning. These activities are easy to set up and perfect for toddlers and older kids alike.

1. DIY Sensory Bins: Sensory bins are a staple! All you need is a large plastic container and some imagination. Fill the bin with materials that engage the senses, like dry rice, beans, or sand. Add little toys, scoops, and cups for digging and sorting.

2. Edible Finger Paint: What’s better than finger painting? Edible finger paint! This is perfect for younger kids who might still be in the phase of putting things in their mouths. You can make edible finger paint at home using yogurt and food coloring—safe, simple, and fun!

DIY Idea: Spread the paint on a tray or sheet of paper and let them go wild! Encourage kids to describe how the paint feels—sticky, smooth, cold—and talk about the colors they’re creating.

3. Calm Down Jars: Sensory bottles or calm down jars are a wonderful way to introduce calming visual stimuli. They’re great for when your child needs a little break from high-energy activities. 

DIY Idea: Fill a plastic bottle with water, clear glue, glitter, and a few beads or tiny toys. Seal it tight, and watch as the glitter swirls and settles. These are great for relaxation or to provide a calming visual break during overstimulation.

4. Water Play with a Twist: Water play is a fantastic sensory experience, especially when you add a twist. Create a “frozen treasure hunt” by freezing small toys or objects in ice cubes, then let the kids “rescue” the items by melting the ice in warm water.

DIY Idea: Set up a station with cups of warm water, spray bottles, and spoons, and let them experiment with different ways to melt the ice. This is a great way to work on problem-solving skills while enjoying the tactile sensations of water and ice.

5. Play-Doh Creations: Play-Doh is a timeless sensory favorite! Making your own play-doh is a breeze, and you can customize it with colors, scents, and textures.

DIY Idea: Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar, oil, and water in a pot. Add food coloring and a few drops of essential oils (like lavender for a calming effect). Cook over medium heat until it forms into dough. Let it cool and knead until smooth.

6. Sensory Paths: Take sensory play to a whole new level by creating a sensory path in your home or backyard. Use different textures and materials like foam mats, pillows, sandpaper, or bubble wrap for kids to walk or crawl on. 

DIY Idea: Lay out a path with alternating textures (soft, rough, bumpy), and encourage your child to explore it with their feet or hands. It’s a great way to build coordination while engaging multiple senses at once.

Conclusion

Sensory play is such a wonderful way to bond with your kids while supporting their development. These activities and DIY projects are simple, affordable, and can be adapted to fit your child’s unique needs and interests.

Have you tried any of these activities before? I’d love to hear your experiences or see your DIY creations! Leave a comment on this post or share your photos on Instagram and tag us. And, as always, if you found these ideas helpful, be sure to share this post with others who are looking for new ways to engage their little ones!

~Grace 🌷